View Other Items in this Archive | View All Archives | Printable Version

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 17, 2017

Alameda Municipal Power Launches Smart-Technology Program

Alameda Municipal Power (AMP) is taking steps to transform its electric grid into a smart, innovative system with the launch of a new technology program called Energy inView. The program begins with an upgrade of customer meters and provides many benefits, including faster restoration of power outages and robust data to help customers manage and understand their energy usage.

Starting in April 2017, AMP’s meter-installation contractor, Professional Meters, Inc. (PMI), will begin replacing existing meters with smart meters. These new meters, capable of two-way communication between customers and AMP, will replace the traditional analog meters that were the industry standard for more than 70 years. AMP expects to complete meter installations for residential and commercial customers throughout the island by December 2017. Customers will receive notification prior to their scheduled meter upgrade.

“The meters are the first step to help modernize Alameda’s electric infrastructure to prepare for the future,” AMP General Manager Nico Procos said. “Ultimately, this technology will allow our customers to have many choices for energy management and enhanced interaction with AMP.”

Here’s a look at the benefits the program offers:

  • A greener process — Smart meters will send usage information wirelessly to AMP, eliminating the need for AMP to access customers’ properties each month. Fewer vehicle trips will mean fewer greenhouse-gas emissions in Alameda.
  • Faster outage restoration — Smart meters will report outages via an electronic signal to AMP. That means customers won’t need to call AMP to report an outage, and AMP will be able to restore power more quickly.
  • Potential new rate options— The new technology will allow AMP to create potential new rate options that may benefit customers’ wallets.
  • Coming soon! Mobile options and account-management tools — AMP is developing new mobile options and account-management tools that will allow customers to pay their electric bill from any device, anywhere, and anytime. Customers will be able to sign up for text alerts on how much energy they’re using or when their bill is due. Plus, they will have the option to track their energy use for every hour of the day.

Installation of smart meters will be paid for by capital improvement monies and funds from the short-term sale of AMP’s renewable energy credits. More information about AMP’s Energy inView program is available at the Alameda Municipal Power website.

About AMP

Alameda Municipal Power (AMP) is a department of the city of Alameda that has served residents and businesses for 132 years. AMP provides power to more than 34,000 customers at rates that average 17 percent below neighboring communities.

Contact

Kathleen Haley
Senior Communications Specialist
Alameda Municipal Power